Update from Dad

     The first few pics were taken on top of Springer Mountain, the official start of the south-north AT. It was an easy hike up and down with sunny skies and 53 degrees. The pic of Sam pointing is when he discovered a vein of gold right at the edge of the path. Amazing nobody else had noticed it considering the trail had seen continuous use since 1937. The final 3 pics are Sam walking in to the woods, finally out of sight and on his own for the next  4-5 months. I hope he remembers to turn on the satellite phone.....

- Gary Croft (Father of adventurous hiker)

Going, going, gone.... 

Day Zero

     Tomorrow I'm starting. I'm actually doing this. So far it feels like a dream I'll wake up from. I actually will still be going to El Camino and class is at 2pm. Now that I'm here I'm freaking out more than ever. Yet at the same time I have just as much excited energy and can't wait. By this time tomorrow I bet I'll be exhausted and wanting to go home; or at least somewhere with 4 walls and heating. I figure if I can survive the first week and/or make it to the Smokies I can finish. Goodbye electricity, heating, and hot meals. Hello mountains and cold and snow.

Hobey-ho let's go!

Sincerely,

Sam

Pictures at the Amicalola Falls State Park: It's cold, but not raining.... yet... 

Last Day in California!

Dear World,

     Sam's journey began at 5am this morning! He is currently flying out to Georgia to begin his trek! He was supposed to write one last "OMG I'm Freaking Out!" journal entry, but his computer died so I'm here instead!

     Needless to say, he was DEFINITELY in freak out mode! We managed to pack up all of his gear into a giant duffle bag, which Mr. Croft took with him Monday morning! 40+ pounds people! If Sam doesn't come back with some intense muscles, he must be doing it wrong! But he has everything he needs to ensure a safe, although not necessarily dry, trip! It's raining currently in Georgia and it seems that chances of it letting up are slim, but we can all hope for the best! Sam knew his chances of getting rained on were high, so he is prepared.

Here is a link to a map on which Sam can update where he is!

https://share.delorme.com/SamuelCroft

This way, we know where he is everyone in a while and can track his pace and make sure he's still trudging on!

Sam bids the world a farewell and a friendly "See you Later!"

Did I mention Sam conquered some fears yesterday? I think that's a great way to start a life journey :)

Written for Sam, by Annie

PS: ADD YOURSELF TO THE MAILING LIST! email me simply stating "add as subscriber" or whatever, and I'll make sure you never miss a post! Thanks to all you lovely folks!

Silly Sam

With the departure date so close, its only natural to relieve stress by having some good ole fashion fun!

Also! I am willing to start a "subscriber" mailing list. This means that whenever I update, I will email you! This way, you can stay notified and not have to check back all the time. If you want to be added, email me! (aqi001@ucr.edu). 

Thanks guys!

-update by Annie

14 Days and Counting...

Dear World,

     I have two weeks left before I hit the trail. I'm not sure if I will be able to leave on time. As of now the road up to Springer Mtn. is closed. They closed it on Feb. 10th.  The terrible storm has kinda left that area so the roads should be open; but until they update the website I'm not sure. Also this might just be me in freakout mode seeing as Feb 10th is a month off March 4th. Most of the storm systems now will probably be blown elsewhere anyway.  I might be more of 'cold feet' as opposed to truly freaking out. But once I get there I would want nothing more than to trudge through snow and ice and whatnot. As for clothing, I now have four layers of clothing as well as a hat and gloves. I think I'll be plenty warm. What, should i take a scarf as well? ...that was meant to be slightly sarcastic but sounds like a good idea, at least for the first month. So do gaiters but I feel like it'd simply be adding excess weight. Considering how much my pack already probably weighs I'm not sure I should add anything else...

     Excluding food, the only thing left on my gear list that i have yet to get is a small journal. The next few days I'll finish up planning my mail drops and what place I'll roughly hit when. Exciting times!

Hobey-Ho, Let's go!

-Sam

Introduction to the Trail

Hello World!

My name is Annie, and this is the only time I will write as me. This is a blog for my best friend Sam Croft, who is hiking the Appalachian Trail this year! He departs from California on March 4th (if weather allows it). As Sam goes on his journey, I will be updating all his family and loved ones about his trek! Visit here often to see what our Sammy is up to! Here is a basic map of the trail:

This blog will be updated every week or so (as Sam sends me journals). There is a sister blog called Dear Sam, From World, where we can update Sam on the going-ons of our lives! More information about that blog can be found there. 

Please comment with any questions, comments or concerns! Or email me at aqi001@ucr.edu with additional things you'd like me to add to this memoir. 

Sincerely,

Annie Qi